A school district in Oregon is accused of forcing LGBTQ students to read the Bible as punishment

By Hollie Silverman, CNN

May 11, 2018

(CNN) - A school district in Oregon is accused of a disturbing pattern of intimidation and harassment against LGBTQ students. Among the allegations: Students were forced to read the Bible as punishment, and a teacher compared gay marriage to marrying a dog.

In a letter this year, the state Department of Education found that the school district in North Bend, a coastal community in southern Oregon, discriminated against students on the basis of sexual orientation.

"There is substantial evidence to support the allegation that the district subjected LGBTQ students to separate or different rules of behavior, sanctions, or other treatment," the letter said.

The school disputes the findings and will make its case at a hearing May 24. At the time, state officials will determine whether the district violated state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

The allegations were detailed in a letter from the education department to North Bend School District Superintendent Bill Yester. Among them:

* A student said she was hit in the hand with a skateboard by another student who made homophobic comments. When the victim complained to the school resource officer, the officer was dismissive and said homosexuality was a choice and not in line with their personal religious beliefs, the student said.

* A student was required by the superintendent to read a passage from the Bible as punishment on at least two occasions. The building administrator acknowledged in an interview with state education officials that he required Bible reading as a form of discipline.

* During a class discussion, a teacher said "If same sex marriage is okay, what about marrying your dog? It's about the same thing."

Yester told CNN in a statement that only two of the allegations were ever brought to the district's attention. The statement also said the district tried to mediate the matter with the students during a nine-hour session this month, but it was unsuccessful.

CNN wrote:A student was required by the superintendent to read a passage from the Bible as punishment on at least two occasions. The building administrator acknowledged in an interview with state education officials that he required Bible reading as a form of discipline.

I do agree, reading the Bible is a form of punishment. We had to read something from the Bible every morning in school and is was punishing.

When going to a Catholic school or Christian School or Jewish School or Muslim then it is part of the curriculum to study/read religion texts but not at a public school. Except in the public school I attended we were required to read the Bible and other stupid things.

Religion in schools is a big problem for society. Firstly, it promotes religion, well at least to the less analytical pupils.

Secondly, it is a form of sectarianism & does not help to promote a cohesive society.

Thirdly, religion is hardly ever taught without bias. Anyone who gathers expertise in the field is usually a follower.

Fourthly, if allowing christian schools, which are bad enough, it is necessary to allow the even more extreme newer religions to have their schools.

Schools should be secular & any religious education should be limited to something like an overview of the entire minefield (all the major religions). Something like a history of religion. Max duration should be about 5 hours. That's 5 hours during your entire life in school. With an opt out.